An outlet store, also known as a factory outlet or factory store, is a brick and mortar or online store where manufacturers sell their merchandise directly to the public. Outlet stores usually sell products at reduced prices compared to regular stores due to being overstock, closeout, factory seconds, or lower-quality versions manufactured specifically for outlets. Traditionally, a factory outlet was a store attached to a factory or warehouse, sometimes allowing customers to watch the production process. In modern usage, outlet stores are typically manufacturer-branded stores such as Gap or Bon Worth grouped together in outlet malls.
Outlet stores first appeared in the eastern United States in the 1930s, when factory stores started to offer damaged or excess goods to employees at a low price. After some time, the audience expanded to include non-employees. Nowadays, outlets have become shops that cater to consumer desire for name-brand products that are affordable and of good quality. Many major retailers use outlet stores to sell overstock items and out-of-season items at a cheaper price. However, some name brands that franchise outlet stores may use lower-quality material in the products sold at those outlets than the material they use for items they sell at retail locations.
Outlet stores can often be found within outlet malls, which are a large collection of outlet stores that operate under the management of a company. Many outlet malls offer rewards programs that will get you exclusive coupons and sales, so you may want to check out your closest outlet mall to see if they offer rewards. You may also want to check outlet malls websites for printable coupons if they dont have a rewards program.
